He is my Father

            Things go fast and come so rapid. Sometimes they vanish but sometimes they stay. All the time you know they’re here but then you’ll find out they’ve left too soon. What sadness it causes me? Whenever I think of them nothing eases the pain it brings. I wasn’t around when one of the most important person in my life left. I know he’ll never be back but I hoped that he’ll wait for me.

            August 10, 2009 marked an unforgettable and painful reality that has changed my life. I can still remember that time I stood few steps away from home. Those shivering hands and pounding heart, that trembling voice flooded with tears. I wanted to walk back home but it didn’t happen. Months ago I saw him lying on a bed in a white painted room. He’s so quiet but I saw a lively smile on his face. I know he wanted to live not only for us but for the people he has served and will continue to serve as long as he can. The memories he made flashed back to me, he is my father, a stubborn yet a lovable one. He’s the father I seldom talk to and who never likes the way I laugh. He’s strict but generous. He wants simplicity and good manners; respect and honesty. Who I am today is because of my parents. They let their children work under the sun with our feet on the mud. He said that even though we have fields to plow or gardens to plant we must still pursue degrees of education because that was one of the things no one can take away from us. My father had shortcomings also but as we say no one is perfect.

             On my fourth year in high school, we discovered that my father have a lung cancer in its fourth stage. It was so unexpected, it didn’t show any symptom, it was just a week ago that my father complained of difficulty in breathing. The doctors gave no assurance as to what will happen. Throughout the medication, I hoped that he’ll get well soon but there are some instances where I thought negatively. I know the fact but I preferred to keep the faith.

            Second trimester of 2009, I have witnessed the struggling of each family member. I always see my mother with pale face and dark eye bags. My younger siblings are also tired. Everyone is quiet but not my father who scream out of pain that even medicine could not help him. The situation went on and on until the night where we all seat beside him taking his last advice. The morning we woke up, our father could no longer recognize any one of us. Pain is still there, he murmur different words, his body was cold and his eyes are somewhat questioning.

            4:00 pm of August 10,2009, my father marked an end. The news went around the town; it was just 10 days after our grandfather, his father, died. In our heart we know we have him there, there he stays and there he will be forever. I have shed tears and will again but I know he will never leave me.

A daughter of a former political leader whom I owe who I am now,who showed the  essence of real service.